Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them REVIEW
Lumos! Light up the WB in the clouds as we’re back in the wizarding world of Harry Potter. This time we’re in the jazzy 20’s of America as J.K Rowling writes her first screenplay and David Yates returns to kick start another series of fantastical fantasies.
Hogwarts alumni Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) is in New York with a suitcase filled with an interesting array of creatures. Unluckily some escape and with the help of non magical or ‘No-Maj’ Jacob (Dan Fogler) he tries tracking them down whilst evading the attention of Graves (Colin Farrell) who’s a director for Magical Congress in America. Whilst they find beasts, humans are rising against the fear of witches and one group may harbour something more powerful than they realise.
I solemnly swear I’m up to being good as I’ll refrain from any hint of spoilers for people that read this and haven’t seen the film. Though I can 100% say the dazzling effects and wide-spread world conjured up by the amazing Rowling is on form. As soon as the movie begins you cannot help but feel that Potter nostalgia wash over you.
It’s the mythology and attention to detail that truly sells this film and makes it the enjoyable spectacle it is. The moment we follow Newt stepping into his suitcase is a brilliant sight to behold and a great big scene to watch. The world contained in his travelling pack like the TARDIS-esque tents from ‘Goblet of Fire’ are incredible and it’s the earlier fun segment of the movie that is better than the latter portion.
J.K Rowling takes her small book and transports it to the big screen with what mostly feels like ease. Newt and his love of beasties is believable and the 1920’s American set era helps lift the story, giving it an intriguing edge. This freshness lets us see the expanding world of magic and how our trans-Atlantic cousins deal with wizards amongst the towering scenery of the Big Apple.
Another highlight in the film is when we see a speak-easy and I was happy to hear some 20’s inspired music, though that’s all we get. The scene flows nicely and though it’s small it features a new character that screams perfect 20’s NYC. Yates returns as director and though he doesn’t provide anything wholly outstanding, he brings the audience back into that comforting zone we like from the previous HP outings.
On the whole I really found myself wrapped up in this film and liking it; I only have three complaints. One was probably down to me because I guessed a twist from literally 2-3 minutes in. Secondly the latter half nearly lets down the more adventurous first half, as we drift into the reveal of a dark force rattling through the city. All this wreckage with swirling smoke and black fire is quite messy and feels like too much, like a stitched on story to compete and fail with the better Newt chronicles. Thirdly, the end seemed to drag out and for me should have happened before the last tiny scene.
Redmayne is a great choice for Scamander, his British awkward charm running wonderfully through the story. Katherine Waterston and Alison Sudol are a pair of bewitching witches with enough character to give them enough dimensions and not over-shadow anything. Colin Farrell sweeping through the scenery in his coat has the perfect intense look for the part. Ezra Miller is mysterious and believable but he does quite little else. Dan Fogler becomes the Ron Weasley of the piece with great comedic timing and likable buffoonery.
I enjoyed the move a lot, the positives totally outweigh the negatives and even though that cash cow is mooing heartily I’m excited for the announced sequels to follow. This new look into the wizarding world had me mostly under their spell and is very entertaining.
7.5/10 or…
I love all things Tarantino and have a soft spot for sombre and clever films. Writing is what I love doing, be it screenplays or reviews, I hope someday my procrastination will dwindle and I'll finish something!
